Kia determined to develop alternative fuel technology

Kia signed up to make hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles commercially available by 2015. On top of this, Kia is already producing hybrids for some markets and is looking to add to this inventory with further markets and electric only vehicles being introduced.

Kia has identified urban use as the main use for their electric only vehicle, with hybrid vehicles identified as the solution for longer journeys. Kia has injected a fresh twist into their hybrid vehicles in Korea by using LPG instead of petrol; however, Kia’s main focus is centred on hydrogen fuel cells.

Hydrogen fuel-cells have the advantage of offering zero tailpipe emissions and an extended range. Fuel cells combine hydrogen and oxygen in a complex metal box known as a fuel stack. A chemical reaction creates electricity, with pure water as the only waste product.

However, these fuel stacks are costly and there is little infrastructure to support hydrogen refuelling in many countries. However, Kia hope that there will be an increase in refuelling stations as fuel stacks get cheaper.

Kia has been developing fuel-cell vehicles since 2003 and their Sportage donor car can now cover more than 500 miles, at the equivalent of 54 mpg with zero tail-pipe emissions.

Kia hopes, with these developments, that it will be far in advance of its main rivals if hydrogen fuel-cell technology proves to be the dominant technology in coming years.